"It's going to be hard. I'm not expecting to go straight into the team. The team's done really well at the start of the season and I've got to earn my right to get in the team.

"Hopefully when the time comes I can do the stuff. I'm a left-back naturally and I can play left-sided centre-half.

"I do like to get forward and hopefully I can bring a little bit of attack within the back four and get up and down and give the fans something to cheer about."

McGivern is optimistic Hibs' recent run of form will continue.

"Kilmarnock are a decent team, they won the league cup last season and I know the manager (Kenny Shiels) as well," McGivern added.

"Hopefully being at home we can get the right result and keep the unbeaten run going."

Hibs flirted with relegation last season, but after a first summer under manager Pat Fenlon appear revived.

McGivern, who won his 17th cap in Northern Ireland's 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Luxembourg earlier this month, added: "We're joint second at the minute.

"Hopefully we can use that as a platform and kick on between now and the end of the season."

McGivern, who made his international debut against Scotland four years ago, has had loan spells at Morecambe, Leicester, Walsall, Crystal Palace and Bristol City and remains uncertain where his future lies.

"I'm just concentrating on getting games under my belt, doing well for Hibs and helping Hibs in the SPL," he added.